EASTENDERS icon Natalie Cassidy has landed a role that will see her away from Albert Square.
The actress, who first starred in BBC soap from 1993, has joined the second series of BBC drama Boarders, alongside Traitors US presenter Alan Cumming.
Natalie Cassidy and Alan Cumming will join the second series of Boarders, airing later this year on BBC[/caption]
Natalie Cassidy has starred as Sonia Fowler in EastEnders on and off since 1993[/caption]
The Traitors US star Alan Cumming will also appear in the BBC drama series[/caption]
The series focuses on five talented black inner-city teens who gain scholarships to the prestigious St. Gilbert’s boarding school.
The second series, which will air later this year, sees Traitors star Alan as Alan, a man with high standards of the students at St. Gilbert’s whilst Alan is Sharon Hail, a teacher at a rival school.
Whilst Natalie hasn’t spoken out about her role in Boarders, Alan told Deadline: “I’ve always said that letting people know you are a fan of theirs is a good idea.
“And, so it was with Boarders. I mentioned this to the producers — who also happen to produce The Traitors — and very soon after, I found myself on the set having such a fun time.”
Last year Natalie hinted at Sonia exiting the BBC soap after her on-screen character was charged with murdering Debbie (Jenny Meier).
In August BBC viewers watched as she was arrested in the Queen Vic for the murder, whilst pleading her innocence.
Last month, it was reported Natalie would leave the BBC soap for a short spell to film a new project for Channel 4.
She is fronting a four-part series titled What’s The Big Deal?, focusing on current trending consumer products.
A source said of her hiatus: “Natalie will be taking a short break, just like many of her co-stars do when they have another project
“Bosses always try to let stars spread their wings and if they can make it work with the often punish-ing soap schedule, then they’ll do it.
“Natalie’s really excited to tackle the project for Channel 4. This is another string to her bow.”
Sonia Fowler’s biggest EastEnders storylines
Sonia Fowler has featured in EastEnders since 1993, and after starring in thousands of episodes, has been featured in storylines ranging from teenage pregnancy to a cancer scare. Here are some of her biggest.
- Teen Pregnancy and Birth of Chloe Jackson (1999-2000)
Sonia discovered she was pregnant at the age of 15. Viewers were shocked by the sudden birth, as the teen went into labour without even realising she was pregnant. Martin Fowler turned out to be Chloe’s father. Sonia initially decided to give the girl up for adoption. - Death of her boyfriend (2002)
Sonia’s boyfriend, Jamie Mitchell, was hit by a car driven by her baby’s father. Jamie had just bought an engagement ring for his girlfriend before being struck down by the thoughtless Martin, who was texting while driving. Although the Jamie was rushed to hospital, docs said his liver was irreparably damaged, and he ended up dying with Sonia by his side. - Marriage to Martin Fowler and Family Tensions (2004-2007)
In a shock twist Sonia went on to marry the man responsible for her previous boyfriend’s death. Their relationship was marred by conflicts and infidelity, and they went on to split up after just three years. At one point in their marriage Sonia was taken hostage by Sarah Cairns, who became obsessed with Martin after he flirted with her during a drunken night out. The couple went through struggles again when the adoptive parents of their daughter were killed in a car crash, leaving them responsible for Rebecca. Because of the tension in their relationship Sonia ended up cheating on her husband with one of her co-workers, nurse Naomi Julien. - Custody Battle for Rebecca (2005-2007)
Baby Chloe, who was renamed Rebecca, was kidnapped by her mum early in life before being returned to her adoptive parents. After Neil and Sue Miller died they awarded Martin full custody of the child because of Sonia’s extra-marital affair. The mum was left distraught to be cut out of her daughter’s life. - Gastric Band Surgery and Weight Struggles (2014-2015)
Sonia became insecure about her weight and arranged to have a secret gastric band surgery in Bulgaria. She later collapsed at an exercise class after suffering complications from the operation. - Discovery of Bex’s Suicide Attempt (2019)
Sonia’s daughter Rebecca tried to take her own life in a heartbreaking storyline which left viewers in tears. She found Bex unconscious after taking an overdose, and was devastated. Sonia blamed herself for pushing her daughter to breaking point, as she had tried to force her into going to Oxford despite Bex saying she didn’t feel ready for university.
